Adjustable weapon case bracket system

ABSTRACT

An adjustable object carrier and bracket system includes a bracket and an object carrier. One portion of the bracket is securely attached to a vehicle such as an ATV and another portion is adjustably connected to the object carrier. The object carrier, which may be a weapon case receptacle or a weapon case, is selectively positionable at a variety of angles relative to the bracket based on the user&#39;s preference.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/017,872 filed on Dec. 13, 2001, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in all its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to an adjustable bracket system for holding objects to a vehicle. Specifically, this invention relates to an adjustable bracket system for holding weapon cases on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). The system allows the weapon case to be held at a variety of angles based on the ATV operator's preference.

[0003] Weapons, such as bows, rifles, and shotguns, have been carried in scabbards which may be attached to horse saddles or other transportation means for a great many years. However, in recent years such scabbards and other weapons cases have become more sophisticated. Scabbards now take the form of rigid, padded cases that totally enclose the weapon. These cases more fully protect the weapon against damage during shipment or transportation. In addition, these cases can be equipped with locks. As such, weapons can now easily be better protected from environmental stress and theft. As a result, hard-sided weapon transport cases have grown in popularity.

[0004] These hard-sided cases can be quite large and bulky. The cases are not easily strapped to a person's back, attached to a backpack, or mounted to a vehicle such as an ATV. Therefore, effective methods for transporting rigid weapon cases to hunting and camping sites are needed.

[0005] Weapons cases have been developed that allow easy storage of weapons on ATVs. Specifically, hard-sided gun cases are known. It is desirable to provide an adjustable weapon case holder so that the weapon case may be positioned so as not interfere with operation of the ATV or other vehicle to which it is attached. Such adjustability allows each ATV user to position the weapon case carrier according to his personal preferences.

[0006] Brackets have been developed for securing hard-sided weapons cases to vehicles such as ATVs. Examples of such brackets are disclosed in U.S. Design Pat. No. D452,290 to Kolpin and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,382,484 and 6,021,936 to Savant. While such brackets are generally effective, they require the user to manipulate multiple parts, are not easily adjustable, and use a gun case that is separate from the mounting bracket. Accordingly, a need exists for a bracket system that allows a weapon case to be easily mounted to an ATV. It would be desirable to have a weapon case and bracket system that easily attaches to an ATV without the need for additional parts to hold the weapon case. Of course, the present invention may be used in a multitude of non-ATV situations where similar performance capabilities are required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides for an adjustable weapon case bracket system that is cost-effective, easily and securely attached to an ATV, provides an improved ability to transport weapons, and which solves the problems raised or not solved by existing designs.

[0008] The invention generally comprises a bracket that is mounted, either directly or indirectly, to an ATV or other vehicle and an object carrier. The object carrier may be positioned at a variety of angles relative to the bracket. This flexibility of positioning allows the vehicle operator to position the object carrier, and corresponding object, according to his personal preference. Once the object carrier is properly positioned, it is secured to the bracket and locked and clamped in place.

[0009] The adjustable weapon case bracket system may be directly attached to a vehicle or it may be attached to a vehicle accessory or other object which is in turn attached to a vehicle. In one embodiment, the object carrier is a receptacle. A weapon case is inserted into the receptacle. In another embodiment, the object carrier is a weapon case itself designed to directly interact with the bracket.

[0010] While one possible application of the present invention is in connection with an ATV, many other applications are possible and references to use in connection with an ATV should not be deemed to limit the uses of the present invention. The terms “weapon case,” “object carrier,” “weapon case receptacle,” “bracket,” “locking member,” or “clamping member” as used herein should not be interpreted as being limited to specific forms or shapes of a weapon case, object carrier, weapon case receptacle, bracket, locking member, or clamping member. Rather, the weapon case, object carrier, weapon case receptacle, bracket, locking member, and clamping member in accordance with the present invention may have a wide variety of shapes. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable weapon case bracket system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, shown attached to an ATV accessory which is in turn attached to an ATV;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an adjustable weapon case bracket system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an adjustable weapon case bracket system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, with a gun case (shown in phantom) inserted through the weapon case receptacle;

[0014]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the weapon case receptacle of the adjustable weapon case bracket system shown in FIG. 2;

[0015]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the base plate of the adjustable weapon case bracket system shown in FIG. 2;

[0016]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable weapon case bracket system shown in FIG. 2, taken generally along the plane 6-6 in FIG. 2;

[0017]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of adjustable weapon case bracket system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, shown directly attached to an ATV;

[0018]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the weapon case of the adjustable weapon case bracket system shown in FIG. 7;

[0019]FIG. 9 is a detail perspective view of the bracket engagement section of the weapon case shown in FIG. 8;

[0020]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an adjustable weapon case bracket system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and,

[0021]FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an adjustable weapon case bracket system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Illustrative embodiments of an adjustable weapon case bracket system (identified generally as 30) in accordance with the present invention are shown in FIGS. 1 through 11. While the invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and herein are described in detail, certain illustrative embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to those as illustrated and described herein. Additionally, features illustrated and described with respect to one embodiment could be used in connection with other embodiments.

[0023] The adjustable weapon case bracket system 30 enables the secure attachment of an object to a vehicle such as an ATV 34 or the rails surrounding the bed of a pickup truck. The bracket system 30, in one embodiment, includes a bracket 36 and an object carrier. One portion of the bracket 36 is attached to the ATV 34. Another portion of the bracket 36 is adjustably connected to the object carrier. This adjustable connection allows the object carrier to be positioned at a variety of angles relative to the bracket 36. In one embodiment, the bracket system 30 is used to attach a weapon case 32 to an ATV 34. The weapon case 32 may be positioned and securely held at an angle relative to the ATV 34. The adjustable weapon case bracket system 30 is operable by hand without the use of any tools. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the object carrier may be a weapon case receptacle 44 into which a weapon case 32 is inserted. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 7-11, the object carrier itself may be a weapon case 32.

[0024] In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 6, 10, and 11, the bracket 36 includes a bracket arm 40 and a bracket base 38. As shown in FIGS. 1, 7, 10, and 11, the bracket base 38 is securely fastened to an ATV 34. As shown in FIG. 7, the bracket base 38 may be attached directly to the ATV 34 or, as shown in FIG. 1, the bracket base 38 may be attached to an accessory or other object 33 which is attached to an ATV 34. The bracket 36 may be fastened, either directly to an ATV 34 or to another object 33, using traditional fastening methods such as threaded fasteners, bolts, U-bolts, welding, soldering, gluing, and the like. The bracket base 38 has a plurality of holes 42 into which such fasteners may be inserted and thereby engage the ATV 34 or other object 33.

[0025] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the object carrier is adjustably connected to the bracket 36 by the use of a base plate 62 and the bracket engagement section 58 of the object carrier. FIGS. 6 11 show the base plate 62 functionally engaged to the bracket 36 and the bracket engagement section 58. As shown in FIG. 11, the bracket arm 40 has an opening 39. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the base plate 62 has a knob 70 and a face 61. The knob 70 is inserted through the bracket opening 39 so that the face 61 of the base plate 62 contacts the bracket arm 40. The face 61 may be attached to the bracket arm 40 using any traditional method such as fasteners 74. A rear anchor plate 88 may be incorporated to facilitate this attachment and provide an attractive cover. The face 61, bracket arm 40, and rear anchor 88 may have a plurality of fastener holes 72 through which fasteners 74 are slid and secured by nuts, washers, caps, or the like 75. Alternatively, the face 61 may be welded, soldered, glued, or otherwise connected to the bracket arm 40. In another embodiment, the knob 70 may be located on the bracket engagement 58 of the object carrier and a mated opening may be located on the bracket arm 40. The interaction of the knob 70 with the mated opening is discussed in detail below.

[0026] The adjustable weapon case bracket system 30 permits an ATV user to position the object carrier according to personal preference using a locking member that holds the object carrier at an angle relative to the bracket 36. The locking member includes a first spline bushing fixed relative to the object carrier and a second spline bushing that engages the first spline bushing. When the two spline bushings are engaged, the object carrier is fixed with respect to the bracket 36. When the spline bushings are not engaged, the object carrier is free to pivot with respect to the bracket 36.

[0027] In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 6 and 11, the first spline bushing is the knob 70 and the second spline bushing is the bracket engagement section 58. In this embodiment, the object carrier can be rotated with respect to the knob 70 of the back plate 62 when the bracket engagement section 58 is not disposed on the knob 70. Rotation of the object carrier allows positioning of the object carrier and corresponding weapon case 32 so that the weapon case 32 does not interfere with operation of the ATV 34. After the object carrier has been properly positioned, the bracket engagement section 58 of object carrier is slid onto the knob 70 of the back plate 62. Doing so causes the knob 70 to functionally engage the orifice 64 of the bracket engagement section 58. This engagement is shown in cross section in FIG. 6 and exploded in FIG. 11. Both the knob 70 and the orifice 64 of the bracket engagement section 58 have a plurality of mating projections 66 and slots 68. This configuration prevents the object carrier from further rotating once the object carrier has been properly positioned and slid onto the knob 70. A variety of spline designs could be used within the orifice 64 of the bracket engagement section 58 and on the knob 70 of the base plate 62.

[0028] In another embodiment, the first spline bushing is located in the opening 39 in the bracket arm 40. Alternatively, an additional insert piece may be configured to act as the first spline bushing and inserted and/or attached to the bracket arm 40. The second spline bushing is the knob 70, which is located on the bracket engagement section 58 of the object carrier. Regardless of the embodiment, the first and second spline bushing interact and matingly engage as described above.

[0029] A clamping member is used to prevent the second spline bushing from disengaging from the first spline bushing once the object carrier has been positioned according to the ATV user's preference. The clamping member clamps the bracket engagement section 58 of the object carrier to the knob 70 of the base plate 62. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 11, one embodiment of this clamping member includes a pin 78, an adjuster cap 60, and a base plate 62. The pin 78 and adjuster cap 60 may be separate pieces or integrated. As shown in FIG. 11, the head 82 of the pin 78 may be inserted and secured in a pin receptacle 84 in the adjuster cap 60. Alternatively, the pin 78 and adjuster cap 60 may be formed of a single piece. The pin 78 and adjuster cap 60 may be manufactured out of metal, plastic, or other durable material. Regardless of the construction, the pin 78 and adjuster cap 60 function to prevent the object carrier from disengaging from the knob 70 once the object carrier has been properly positioned. This is accomplished by threading the shaft 80 of the pin 78 into a threaded hole 90 in the knob 70 of the base plate 62. The adjuster cap 60 may have a ridged or textured surface so that it may be easily actuated by hand, even in wet or cold conditions. Alternatively, the pin 78 may be integrated into the base plate 62. In this embodiment, the adjuster cap 60 is threaded onto the pin 78 and then tightened to clamp the object carrier to the bracket 36.

[0030] To change the angle of the object carrier relative to the bracket base 38, the user turns the adjuster cap 60 to cause the adjuster cap 60 to move away from the bracket 36 and the shaft 80 to unthread from the hole 90 in the knob 70 of the base plate 62. This movement and withdrawal results in the object carrier being able to be moved slightly away from the knob 70, thereby disengaging the projections 66 and slots 68 and allowing the object carrier to be rotated. Rotation may be stopped at any point at which the projections 66 mate with the slots 68.

[0031] The present invention allows the use of a wide variety of object carriers. The object carrier attaches to the ATV 34 by an interaction of the bracket 36 with the bracket engagement section 58 of the object carrier. The object carrier may be formed in any desired shape so as to allow it to carry objects of particular shape and size.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 6, in one embodiment, the object carrier is a weapon case receptacle 44. The weapon case receptacle 44 may be configured to accommodate any weapon case 32. One such configuration permits the weapon case receptacle 44 to accommodate hard-sided gun cases such as the ones disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. D421,179 and D309,675, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, and the GUN BOOT® brand gun cases sold by Kolpin Outdoors, Inc. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the weapon case receptacle 44 includes an elongate member 46 having a hollow interior 48 and a bracket engagement section 58 having an orifice 64. The elongate member 46 has an open top 50 and an open bottom 52. Preferably, the top 50 is wider than the bottom 52, so that as the weapon case 32 is inserted into the elongate member 46, the bottom 52 comes to grip the weapon case 32, the weapon case 32 being narrower at one end than at the other. The elongate member 46 also preferably has a cutout 56 that allows the case 32 to be easily grasped for removal from the weapon case receptacle 44.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 7-11, in another embodiment the object carrier is a weapon case 32. As shown in FIG. 8, the bracket engagement section 58 is integrated into the weapon case 32. The bracket engagement section 58 may be integrated into the weapon case 32 at any point on the weapon case 32. The bracket engagement section 58 and the weapon case 32 may be formed of plastic, metal, or any other suitable material. The bracket engagement section 58 and the weapon case 32 may be formed of a single piece of material or may be separate pieces later connected by stitching, welding, soldering, fasteners, glue, or any other appropriate method.

[0034] The present invention provides for an adjustable bracketing system for use in connection with a variety of weapon cases. Such cases include, but are not limited to, bow cases, handgun cases, sword cases, and the like. The present invention also provides for an adjustable bracketing system for use in connection with other objects where it is desirable to select and secure the positioning of these objects relative to the bracket itself. In such embodiments, the object carrier is configured so as to accommodate an object. Such objects could include, but are not limited to, tools, camping equipment, cargo boxes, tackle, boxes, fishing poles and equipment, and the like.

[0035] The adjustable weapon case bracket system of the present invention may have other applications aside from use in connection with vehicles such as ATVs. Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is perceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments set forth above. Rather, it is recognized that modifications may be made by one of skill in the art of the invention without departing from the spirit or intent of the invention and, therefore, the invention is to be taken as including all reasonable equivalents to the subject matter of the appended claims. 

I claim:
 1. An adjustable bracket system for carrying objects on a vehicle comprising: a bracket adapted to be attached to the vehicle; and, an object carrier adjustably connected to the bracket such that the object carrier is selectively positionable relative to the bracket.
 2. The adjustable bracket system of claim 1 wherein the bracket comprises a base adapted to be attached to the vehicle and an arm connected to the base such that the arm is substantially perpendicular to the base, and wherein the object carrier is adjustably connected to the arm.
 3. The adjustable bracket system of claim 1, further comprising a locking member capable of selectively securing the object carrier at a plurality of angles relative to the bracket.
 4. The adjustable bracket system of claim 3 wherein the locking member comprises a first spline bushing on the bracket and fixed relative to the object carrier and interacting with a second spline bushing on the object carrier.
 5. The adjustable bracket system of claim 1 further comprising a clamping member, wherein the clamping member secures the object carrier to the bracket.
 6. The adjuster bracket system of claim 5 wherein the clamping member comprises an adjuster cap, a base plate, and a shaft, the shaft engaging the adjuster cap and the base plate such that rotation of the adjuster cap in a first direction clamps the object carrier between the base plate and the adjuster cap and rotation of the adjuster cap in a second direction unclamps the object carrier.
 7. The adjustable bracket system of claim 1 wherein the object carrier is a weapon case receptacle.
 8. The adjustable bracket system of claim 1 wherein the object carrier is a weapon case.
 9. An adjustable bracket system for carrying a weapon on a vehicle comprising: a bracket adapted to be attached to the vehicle; and, a weapon case receptacle pivotably connected to the bracket.
 10. The adjustable bracket system of claim 9 wherein the weapon case receptacle is positionable at a plurality of angles relative to the bracket.
 11. The adjustable bracket system of claim 10 further comprising a locking member capable of selectively holding the weapon case receptacle at an angle relative to the bracket.
 12. The adjustable bracket system of claim 11 wherein the locking member comprises a first spline bushing on the bracket and fixed relative to the weapon case receptacle and interacting with a second spline bushing on the weapon case receptacle.
 13. The adjustable bracket system of claim 9 further comprising a clamping member, wherein the clamping member secures the weapon case receptacle to the bracket.
 14. The adjuster bracket system of claim 13 wherein the clamping member comprises an adjuster cap, a base plate, and a shaft, the shaft engaging the adjuster cap and the base plate such that rotation of the adjuster cap in a first direction clamps the weapon case receptacle between the base plate and the adjuster cap and rotation of the adjuster cap in a second direction unclamps the weapon case receptacle.
 15. An adjustable bracket system and weapon carrying case comprising: a bracket adapted to be attached to a vehicle; and, a weapon case pivotably attached to the bracket.
 16. The adjustable bracket system of claim 15 wherein the weapon case is positionable at a plurality of angles relative to the bracket.
 17. The adjustable bracket system of claim 15 further comprising a locking capable of selectively holding the weapon case at an angle relative to the bracket.
 18. The adjustable bracket system of claim 16 wherein the locking member comprises a first spline bushing on the bracket fixed relative to the weapon case and interacting with a second spline bushing on the weapon case.
 19. The adjustable bracket system of claim 15 further comprising a clamping member, wherein the clamping member secures the weapon case to the bracket.
 20. The adjuster bracket system of claim 19 wherein the clamping member comprises: an adjuster cap, a base plate, and a shaft, the shaft engaging the adjuster cap and the base plate such that rotation of the adjuster cap in a first direction clamps the weapon case between the base plate and the adjuster cap and rotation of the adjuster cap in a second direction unclamps the weapon case.
 21. A gun case and mounting bracket for mounting the weapon case to a vehicle comprising: a bracket having a base mountable to a vehicle; a weapon case adjustably connected to the bracket and selectively positionable at a plurality of angles relative to the bracket; a selectively engageable clamping member capable of holding the weapon case in connection to the bracket; and a locking member disposed between the the bracket and weapon case such that the position of the weapon case relative to the bracket cannot be altered when the clamping member is in an engaged position. 